Texas Chainsaw Massacre Rights Sparking Interest in Hollywood
Yet another popular intellectual property has officially been placed on the market, igniting considerable excitement among producers and studios eager to capitalize on its potential. Following the recent news that WME is seeking buyers for the rights to the iconic Jason Bourne series, reports now confirm that the iconic horror franchise, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, is also up for grabs.
While numerous parties have expressed interest, it’s still early in the process, making identification of the key players challenging at this stage. However, the involvement of notable names—such as Texas-born star Glen Powell—suggests a competitive landscape, with some insiders referring to it as a “free for all.”
Background on the Franchise and Recent Developments
Legendary Pictures held the rights to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre since 2017 and produced a Netflix film that debuted in 2022. Unfortunately, hopes for a sequel failed to materialize, resulting in the intellectual property returning to its rights holders. While the specific details of the group handling the rights remain somewhat vague, sources indicate involvement from the son of the original film’s co-screenwriter, Kim Henkel. Subsequently, they enlisted the help of Verve, a boutique agency, for representation.
Current Market Dynamics
As of now, a bidding war has yet to commence, largely due to the absence of a formal package or treatment related to the project. Despite this, enthusiasm is palpable, with various stakeholders exploring potential partnerships and concepts. One prospective collaboration involves Glen Powell, acclaimed filmmaker J.T. Molner of Strange Darling, and producer Roy Lee. Additionally, Andy Muschietti, known for his work on It, has also surfaced as a potential player in this unfolding scenario.
The Enduring Legacy of the Original
The original 1974 film is unquestionably a cornerstone of the horror genre. Its chilling narrative follows a group of friends who stumble upon a sinister family of cannibals, led by the terrifying Leatherface. The graphic violence depicted in the movie sparked outrage, resulting in bans in certain states and countries. Remarkably, director Tobe Hooper crafted this cinematic masterpiece on a budget of less than $300,000, yet it soared to box office success, grossing an impressive $31 million globally.
The Value of Intellectual Property in Today’s Market
The burgeoning interest in the rights to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre highlights the significant value of intellectual properties not yet acquired by major media conglomerates. This trend further emphasizes the horror genre’s ongoing appeal, consistently attracting audiences on both large and small screens. Earlier this year, studios engaged in a fierce bidding war for the rights to Resident Evil, another horror franchise that quickly transitioned into a deal with Sony.
As the film industry continues to navigate this dynamic landscape, the opportunities for innovation and engagement with classic properties like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre remain both enticing and ripe for exploration.